1. “The Kingdom of God is at hand…” Mark 1:15

2. Leader
Jesus tells us that the “Kingdom” is here now among us. The Kingdom is not a place nor is it a person. Jesus tells us that the people who live in the Kingdom are the people poor in spirit; who are meek, who mourn, who hunger and thirst for justice, who are merciful, who are clean of heart, the peacemakers, and those who suffer for their faith. Let us ask Jesus to make us people who carry the Kingdom inside. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…

3. Opening Song Our God is Here
By Chris Muglia

4. Reader 1
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew… “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5. Intercessions (Reader 2)
Father, listen to our prayers as we ask You to change our hearts so that we can bring the Kingdom of God to those around us. Make us poor in spirit… Help us rely on You alone. Make us able to mourn… Help us really love all the good You have given us. Make us meek… Help us to know the truth about ourselves so that we can use our gifts to serve others.

6. Intercessions (Reader 2)
Make us hungry for truth and goodness… Help us to never settle for less than our hearts desire for what is right. Make us merciful… Help us to show mercy so that when we sin we can accept Your mercy. Make us pure in heart… Help us to see You in every person and let us treat them as our brothers and sisters.

7. Intercessions (Reader 2)
Make us peacemakers… Help us to always seek what is best for everyone and not just ourselves. Make us generous givers… Help us to give all of ourselves to God and to His service. Help us to be willing to make little sacrifices to grow closer to Christ. OUR FATHER

8. Leader
Father, we offer everything we do this year for your glory. May all our school work and activities be pleasing to you. We ask especially that you allow us to grow closer to you in everything we do so we can follow you with our whole hearts. Amen.